Metric Views

This week, Ronnie Cohen takes issue with an example of American exceptionalism. Most metric prefixes and units are spelled the same way throughout the English-speaking world. However, there are a few notable exceptions where the Americans use different spellings from … Continue reading →
0

After our summer break, Metric Views is happy to publicize a periodical that might have escaped our readers’ attention in recent years. Ronnie Cohen explains. The New Internationalist is an independent, non-profit British magazine that certainly lives up to its name. In the edition … Continue reading →
0

Ronnie Cohen draws some conclusions from a recent Freedom of Information (FoI) request that he made to the UK Department for Transport (DfT). On 19 February 2017, I made the following FOI request to the DfT: “I would like to … Continue reading →
0

Ronnie Cohen takes a look at some of the ways in which British drivers are exposed to metric measures. Metric Views would be interested hear of readers’ experiences, though it is not possible, unfortunately, to post photos with your comments. Despite … Continue reading →
0

We are familiar with size numbers for shoes, hats, dresses and so on. Ronnie Cohen looks at the convention for screen sizes based on inches and asks if this really makes sense. I recently came across an article with the title … Continue reading →
0

An argument made against metric-only labelling in the US is that manufacturers would need to change packaging to rational metric sizes. Ronnie Cohen looks at the UK’s experience over the past 50 years. The need to change package sizes is sometimes seen … Continue reading →
0

With Brexit still dominating the news, Ronnie Cohen looks at one of the biggest obstacles to completing our transition to the metric system: its perceived link to the European Union. Opposition to metrication has become an article of faith among almost all … Continue reading →
0

In response to one of his enquiries, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) has provided Ronnie Cohen with an account of recent progress on the introduction of metric signs on UK roads. I recently asked how the DfT how it decides … Continue reading →
0

Ronnie Cohen reports on his recent correspondence with the UK Department for Transport (DfT). I recently asked the DfT what measurement units they expect drivers on British roads to be familiar with. It responded (ref. GT51/2/2/F0014554), saying “The answer to your … Continue reading →
0

At last, the General Election campaign is over. And now, as we wait for the results, Ronnie Cohen looks at something completely different: Match of the Day. Or is it? For those of you not familiar with football, Match of the … Continue reading →
1